Frank Joseph Loschke

Frank Joseph Loschke, 86, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away in the loving arms of his wife on October 18, 2021. Frank was born on January

25, 1935 in the small mountain village of Gottschee, Slovenia. He enjoyed a few years of a simple farming life until Nazis destroyed his village and killed many of his family. After becoming orphaned and living in a refugee camp, he came to America with the Red Cross. At the age of 14 he was processed at Ellis Island, not knowing the language and wondering what was going to happen to him. Frank was adopted by William and Marie Schmidt, a couple from Gottschee who had lost their only son in the war and they gave him a loving home. When neighborhood kids painted swastikas on the front door because Frank spoke German, his parents sent him to St. Michael’s School for Boys in Pennsylvania. There he learned to read and write English, play American football and was chosen “Best Looking” in his graduating class of four.

Frank joined the USAF to serve the country that had given him a new life. He was sent to Madrid, Spain, where he met the girl who would become the love of his life. She spoke no English, so he learned Spanish very quickly as he pursued her heart. Frank & Maria Teresa married on August 8, 1959 enjoying a monthlong honeymoon driving across Europe in a VW Beetle. Their daughter Teresita was born 10 months later and they had a wonderful life travelling the world with assignments in New Jersey, Spain, Thailand, the Philippines, Germany and finally New Mexico.

Frank was a good man; a joyful soul, a lover of people, travel, good food and laughter. A devout Catholic, his deep, abiding faith was the anchor and foundation of the family. Frank loved the great outdoors, enjoying skiing, bowling, golfing and fishing. He earned a Master’s Degree and retired as MSgt from the USAF after 23 years, working in the civil service for 20 more years. A more tender heart than Frank’s could not be found. People and dogs alike were drawn to his warmth and generous spirit. He was blessed with many close and treasured friendships throughout his life, enjoying countless wonderful dinners, backyard BBQ’s and trips with friends.

Frank’s grandchildren were his greatest joy. As they grew, he relished picking them up after school and getting ice cream and never missed a sporting or scouting event, school play or ballet recital. They enjoyed many family vacations through the years, making memories that will be cherished forever.

Frank suffered from many health ailments the last years of his life and as he became debilitated, he was lovingly cared for by Teresa, his surviving wife and life partner of 62 years. Although Frank arrived to the US with no family, the day he went to heaven he left behind a big, loving family: daughter Teresa, grandchildren Michael and Katie Corio, nieces and nephews Catherine (Bill), Pablo (Megan), Paz (Jeff), Paco, Michael and Raul along with nine great-nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many dear and beloved friends.

Rosary will be on Nov. 16th, at 6pm at French’s 10500 Lomas NE. Funeral mass is at 10 am Nov 17th, at Annunciation Church. Interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors is Nov 18th, at 12:45pm.

Please note masks will be required at all services. Due to allergies, we request no flowers in the church. Instead, consider a memorial donation to Catholic Charities or American Lung Association. Please visit our online guestbook at FrenchFunerals.com.

“If our sorrow is to be lessened by anything, it may be in remembering the joy of loving and being loved by him.”